Toyota’s top-selling Corolla Cross recently underwent a midlife refresh. We got a hold of a Corolla Cross 1,8 XR HEV to find out what’s new.
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Earlier this year Toyota sent its best-selling Corolla Cross to the surgeon’s rooms. The mid-ish size SUV is, unbelievably, halfway through its lifecycle, which means it was due for a bit of a refresh. The locally produced model (made at the Prospecton plant south of Durban) was served a number of exterior and interior changes to keep it competitive in the face of increasing competition, particular from China.
Changes
The most evident exterior change is the adoption of a new frontal aspect where there is a bold new grille treatment. The geometric pattern across its width means it is instantly recognisable when compared to its predecessor. Oddly, this new look isn’t applied to the GR-S derivative. Furthermore there are newly designed headlamps with sequential turn signals (on XR and GR-S derivatives). The XR and GR-S versions also boast dual-beam LED lamps and LED daytime running lights. Newly designed taillamps are also part of the new look.
Interior Changes
In addition to those exterior changes there are few revisions inside the cabin. Drivers will notice the electric parking brake that includes an auto-hold function, although, annoyingly, it needs to be activated every time you start the car. Other upgraded interior touches include a larger infotainment screen and a completely digital instrument cluster on XR and GR-S versions.
Additionally, there is a USB Type-C port above the mobile phone holder and a pair for the rear occupants. Those on the rear seat can now also adjust the backrest angle of the seat for added comfort. Passengers all around also park their behinds on newly designed leather seat upholstery with chocolate brown inserts. In the XR model, as we had on loan, the driver’s chair has four-way electric adjustment. We’d have really also enjoyed adjustable lumbar support.
Mod-Cons
The Corolla Cross range has four trim levels, namely XI, XS, XR and GR-S. Our loan unit was the higher spec XR with the hybrid powertrain, more of which in a bit. XR variants have wireless CarPlay, dual-zone climate control, front park distance control, seven airbags and auto high-beam activation.
Additionally there is a powered tailgate with handsfree operation, panoramic view monitor and auto-dimming rear-view mirror. Furthermore owners benefit from assistance features such as adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist and blind spot monitor. That’s pretty handy standard spec when you read the price (below).
Best-Selling Hybrid
Toyota’s efforts have been concentrated on the appearance and user-friendliness of the Corolla Cross. As a result the Cross range maintains the same engine line-up as before. A 1,8-litre normally aspirated unit and a 1,8-litre hybrid, as per our test unit, are on offer. The hybrid version has 90 kW with claimed average fuel consumption of 4,3L/100 km.
We really enjoy the hybrid’s ability, which tickled a few friends a family who also got to experience out test unit, to set off in near silence. The electric motor providing enough torque to set off and cruise at low speed, but once speeds rise the petrol engine fires up to join the party. We managed to drive the Corolla Cross 1,8 XR HEV up at altitude and we noted that the electric motor’s additional torque helps to make-up for the lethargy that naturally aspirated engines suffer at altitude. Although, after years of using them in various applications, we are still not fans of a drone-y CVT.
On the Road
We drove the Corolla Cross 1,8 XR HEV as, we imagined, anyone who buys a hybrid might. There were no speedy pull-aways, no full throttle overtakes and always kept it just below the speed limit. As a result, after a few hundred km of driving, we managed to record an average fuel consumption figure of 5,5 L/100 km, which is slightly higher than the manufacture claim, but still pretty impressive.
There is a nifty little readout on the digital dash that shows the percentage of electric driving conducted on the most recent trip. We were surprised to note that, even on some motorway outings, the dial would show that up to 50 per cent could be undertaken purely on electric power. Gamifying the driving process this way could really help coach drivers to lower fuel their consumption.
Special mention here of the Corolla Cross’ plush ride and well resolved damping. It rides very much the way one recalls a Toyota sedan of old to do so. And it is also a lesson to some automakers of how an family SUV should ride, with no sportiness about its make-up. However, it is worth noting that there is a decent level of grip and lack of body roll.
Summary
From the moment the Toyota Corolla Cross was announced, most rivals must have groaned in resignation. One of the most trusted brands in SA was about to stick its most famous passenger car nameplate onto the body style that is a favourite of buyers all over.
The Corolla Cross has been an unmitigated sales success since day one. Nearly 1 900 units per month were sold in 2024. A MONTH, for a single model. Some brands would kill to have that as a yearly figure, for all the offerings. Toyota has managed to weather the onslaught of brand new brands in the local market by offering an excellent product at a very competitive price, so it’s easy to see why there are SO many of them on our roads and this revised version ensures that number will continue to grow.
Model: Corolla Cross 1,8 XR HEV
Price: R545 200
Engine: 1,8-litre 4-cylinder petrol hybrid
Transmission: CVT FWD
Max power: 90 kW
Max torque: n/a
0-100 km/h: n/a
Top speed: 170 km/h
Fuel consumption: 4,3 L/100 km
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